Air France-KLM has ordered four incremental A350-1000(F)s for its cargo subsidiary, Martinair (Netherlands) (MP, Amsterdam Schiphol), operating as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Cargo, to replace the Dutch carrier's four B747 freighters.
The quartet of A350s is scheduled to deliver in the second half of 2026, concurrently with the other four A350-1000(F)s previously ordered by Air France-KLM for Air France (AF, Paris CDG). This will put both airlines among the first operators of the variant globally.
"We want to emit less CO2 because of the climate and reduce noise for local residents. The A350F reduces CO2 by over 40% and noise by 50% compared to their predecessors. That is why we decided to place this order earlier than originally planned. Instead of in 2027, we will replace the freighters from autumn 2026. We are accelerating KLM's sustainability efforts with this," KLM CEO Marjan Rintel said.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Martinair currently operates one B747-400(BCF) and three B747-400ERFs.
Following the retirement of the last B747-400M in October 2020, KLM no longer operates any in-house dedicated freighters or combi aircraft. In turn, Air France's current cargo fleet comprises two B777-200Fs. The French airline does not have a cargo subsidiary.
Simultaneously with the order for the freighters for Martinair, the Franco-Dutch holding firmed an order for a further three A350-900s for Air France. The group currently operates twenty A350-900s and has a further 18 on firm order, all of them destined for Air France.
